Stress Proteins (hsp70, hsp60) Induced in Isopods and Nematodes by Field Exposure to Metals in a Gradient near Avonmouth, UK

Abstract

Heat shock proteins (hsps) are potential biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollution. In this study, the use of hsps as biomarkers in field bioassays was evaluated in terrestrial invertebrates exposed to a metal gradient near Avonmouth, UK. We investigated the hsp70 response in resident and transplanted isopods of the species Oniscus asellus and Porcellio scaber and the hsp60 response in transplanted nematodes of the species Plectus acuminatus in six field sites along the metal gradient. Considerable differences were detected in the stress responses between nematodes and isopods (isopods responded in a gradient-specific manner, nematodes did not), the two isopod species and the transplanted and resident specimens of each isopod species: in the sites closest to the smelter, O. asellus residents showed high hsp70 levels while O. asellus transplanted from an unpolluted site displayed comparatively low hsp70 levels. For P. scaber, it was just the opposite. In resident isopod populations of both species, tolerant phenotypes were revealed in the most contaminated field sites. The hsp70 level in both isopod species was a suitable biomarker of effect (but of exposure only in non-tolerant individuals) even in long-term metal-contaminated field sites. The hsp60 response in the nematode alone was not a suitable biomarker for heavily contaminated soils. However, it had indicative value when related to the hsp70 response in the isopods and could be a suitable biomarker for less heavily contaminated soils.

Phenotypic diversity, population structure and stress protein-based capacitoring in populations of Xeropicta derbentina, a heat-tolerant land snail species

“…In this context, a combination of a low constitutive (basic) level and a high induction capacity would allow low energy expenditure but high short-term stress tolerance. Several studies have revealed selection for reduced base Hsp expression in highly thermo-or metaltolerant species or populations (Krebs and Feder 1997;Bettencourt et al 1999;Köhler et al 1999Köhler et al , 2000Sørensen et al 1999Sørensen et al , 2001Zatsepina et al 2001;Arts et al 2004;Haap and Köhler 2009). Mizrahi et al (2009) also showed a delayed induction of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in a highly thermotolerant desert-dwelling snail species, which enhanced small Hsp molecules (sHsps) under thermal stress that are more efficient in production due to their molecular size.…”

Daily and seasonal changes in heat exposure and the Hsp70 level of individuals from a field population of Xeropicta derbentina (Krynicki 1836) (Pulmonata, Hygromiidae) in Southern France

“…Starting with a base level that is expressed under "normal" conditions, the curve rises with increasing stress. When proteotoxic stress reaches a distinct (and population specific) level, no further induction is possible (Arts et al 2004;Köhler et al 2009). Exceeding this point of stress leads to a collapse of the Hsp70 protection system revealed in a rapid decrease in the Hsp70 level, followed by the death of the organism or, at least serious damage of its inner structures (Eckwert et al 1997;Scheil et al 2011).…”

Cross tolerance in beet armyworm: long-term selection by cadmium broadens tolerance to other stressors

“…Further studies have shown that their expression can vary also in response to many other stressing factors (Eckwert and Köhler 1997;Pyza et al 1997;Köhler et al 1999; Knigge and Köhler 2000;Köhler et al 2000;KarounaRenier and Zehr 2003;Arts et al 2004;Haap and Köhler 2009;Jiang et al 2012;Haap et al 2016). There are even opinions that all known stressors may induce HSP expression (Feder and Hofmann 1999).…”

“…In the case of the latter concept there are authors who discuss the changes in HSP concentration at the level of (micro)evolution and analyze it in relations to possible trade-off between HSP induction and other protective mechanisms as well as the general fitness of the organism (Feder and Hofmann 1999). Developmental stage, sex, nutritional status, age and, possibly, acquired tolerance may also be the source of variation in HSP expression (Eckwert and Köhler 1997;Pyza et al 1997;Köhler et al 1999;Knigge and Köhler 2000;Köhler et al 2000;Karouna-Renier and Zehr 2003;Arts et al 2004). The present study may contribute to the explanation of the mechanisms of increased tolerance of invertebrates to chronic vs. acute as well as single vs. joint xenobiotics, connected with HSP70 level.…”